Fusion Takedown Total Ankle Arthroplasty Surgical Technique
Introduction
Fusion takedown and conversion to total ankle arthroplasty is an alternative treatment option for patients with a symptomatic ankle fusion, including patients who have undergone pantalar fusion and patients in whom a painful nonunion has developed at the site of ankle fusion. Previously, patients with these pathologies often had limited surgical treatment options, which included supramalleolar osteotomy and revision arthrodesis. Fusion takedown total ankle arthroplasty may result in improved pain levels, functional outcomes scores, and range of motion.
Result
We have used this technique to perform more than 21 successful fusion takedown total ankle arthroplasty procedures. This video outlines our step-by-step surgical technique for conversion of ankle fusion to fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty.